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| Local Attractions > Artist - Patrick Jarvis |
PATRICK JARVIS
Patrick was born in Weymouth Falls in 1959, the second of seven children. He attended Weymouth Consolidated School then went on to the Nova Scotia Agricultural College where he received a diploma as a Farm Equipment Technician. Not able to get a job in this field, Patrick worked at whatever was available at the time. Around the age of twelve Patrick tried his hand at carving for the first time. He carved a trout from an alder. Patrick carved as a hobby until 2004 when he decided to take up carving drums on a full time basis.
"Ancient Hermit Drums" is the heartbeat of a new life for Patrick. About that time, he experienced a life-changing epiphany, and has been successfully making traditional African drums ever since. Patrick's talents are as diverse as the carvings he creates. Each drum made requires his skills as a lumberjack, woodcarver, blacksmith, leather tanner, tuner of wood, visionary, musician, and lately as a businessman. Patrick recycles materials whenever possible, especially scrap steel, and will use only local wood and skins in crafting his drums. He has fashioned his own tools, and cuts trees from his own woodland, meaning that from concept to product, Ancient Hermit Drums are hand made by Patrick Jarvis. Patrick directs his attention on three main instruments, the Djembe (rather like a bowl on a pedestal), the Bougarabou (a conical shaped drum) and the Dondo or Talking Drum. The Talking Drum is the only one he makes which is held under the arm and beat with a stick. The tone of the talking drum is altered by applying and restricting pressure to the netting around the drum body. Also demonstrating a variety of palm/finger/heel of the hand techniques, Patrick moves us from a mournful cry to a celebration dance in seconds. 
Patrick's hands are his instruments and they wail out a powerful story...both in his rhythmic drumming and his skilled craftsmanship. In addition to making drums, Patrick does repairs and teaches traditional African drumming. He has given numerous presentations and made several visits to community groups. Prices for these drums vary according to size, type of drum and materials used. You can visit Patrick's web site @www.ancienthermitdrums.com Click to veiw a video of about Patrick and the Ancient Hermit Drums Patrick Jarvis Ancient Hermit Drums |
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